Belvoir Castle

Once a formidable fortress, it was rebuilt in the 17th century, then around 1800 it was converted into a mock medieval mansion and castle. The castle is home to the museum of the Queens Royal Lancers. The castle and gardens are both open to the public. Special events take place at weekends.

Bosworth Battlefield Visitor Centre

This important battle was fought in 1485 between the armies of Richard III and the victor Henry VII, changing the course of British history. The battle took place somewhere south of the little market town of Market Bosworth, the exact location of which is still under question. The Battlefield Visitor Centre, on Ambion Hill, provides historical details of the battle, with exhibitions and multimedia shows. Battle re-enactments and other medieval events are held at the site annually.

Bradgate Park

A large, 850 acre, public park in Charnwood Forest. Originally created as a medieval deer park. The River Lin, which flows through the park, runs into the Cropston Reservoir to the east. One of the most visited parks in Leicestershire, it is ideal for horse riding, walking and picnics.

Opening times: all year Free EntryLocation: Near Cropston, just northwest of the
city of LeicesterWebsite:nationalforest.orgFacilities: parking (charged), café, information centre.

Conkers

Outdoor family orientated leisure and nature park with over 120 acres of lakeside walks and trails. Includes an assault
course, adventure play area and bike hire. If the weather is bad visitors can explore the indoor interactive exhibits.

Donington-le-Heath Manor House

An authentically restored, late 13th century, medieval manor house. Contains many period rooms with
fine oak furnishings, plus displays on medieval life and a changing series of exhibitions. The surrounding grounds have been laid out in the form of 17th century period garden.

Foxton Locks

A staircase of ten canal locks built in 1810 to enable barges to rise 75 feet in the space of 300 yards. The site includes a museum which tells the story of the locks and the Inclined Plain (built in 1900 on the site to raise wider boats). Visitors can browse around the site, take a boat trip or follow one the many canal walks. Located on-site is the canal side Foxton Locks Inn, a traditional English pub serving real ale and good food.

Shackerstone Battlefield Line Railway

The last remaining section of the former Ashby to Nuneaton Joint Railway, which was opened in 1873. It now runs heritage steam trains at the weekends from Shackerstone, via Market Bosworth, to Shenton Station (shown right). Travellers arriving at Shenton can walk the short distance to Ambion Hill to visit the Bosworth Battlefield Centre.

Stanford Hall

Stanford Hall has been the home of the Cave family since 1430. The present mansion dates from 1697. One night, whilst Queen Elizabeth I was dancing, her garter slipped from her leg. Sir Ambrose Cave, noticed it, picked it up and offered it to the Queen. She told him he could keep it. Sir Ambrose immediately tied it to his left arm, vowing that he would wear it as long as he lived. A portrait of him in Stanford Hall shows him wearing it.

Twycross Zoo

Home to Molly Badham's famous acting chimps from the TV adverts, it is now the only zoo in Britain to house Bonobos. Twycross has many other animals, including primates, penguins, sealions, lions, elephants and giraffes. There is also a pets corner and a Children's Adventure Playground.

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Please note that the above information was accurate at the time this page was last updated. This information is subject to change at any time (opening times in particular), therefore if you plan on visiting any of the above attractions, please check the owner's website first or phone them for the latest details.